Problem solving is a creative process which defines systematization and mechanization. There are a number of steps that can be taken to raise the level of one’s performance in problem solving.

Steps for Problem - Solving:-

A problem-solving technique follows certain steps in finding the solution to a problem. Let us look into the steps one by one:

Problem definition phase

The success in solving any problem is possible only after the problem has been fully understood. That is, we cannot hope to solve a problem, which we do not understand. So, the problem understanding is the first step towards the solution of the problem. In problem definition phase, we must emphasize what must be done rather than how is it to be done. That is, we try to extract the precisely defined set of tasks from the problem statement. Inexperienced problem solvers too often gallop ahead with the task of problem - solving only to find that they are either solving the wrong problem or solving just one particular problem. 

Getting started on a problem

There are many ways of solving a problem and there may be several solutions. So, it is difficult to recognize immediately which path could be more productive. Sometimes you do not have any idea where to begin solving a problem, even if the problem has been defined. Such block sometimes occurs because you are overly concerned with the details of the implementation even before you have completely understood or worked out a solution. The best advice is not to get concerned with the details. Those can come later when the intricacies of the problem has been understood.

The use of specific examples

To get started on a problem, we can make use of heuristics i.e., the rule of thumb. This approach will allow us to start on the problem by picking a specific problem we wish to solve and try to work out the mechanism that will allow solving this particular problem. It is usually much easier to work out the details of a solution to a specific problem because the relationship between the mechanism and the problem is more clearly defined. This approach of focusing on a particular problem can give us the foothold we need for making a start on the solution to the general problem. 
 

Similarities among problems

One way to make a start is by considering a specific example. Another approach is to bring the experience to bear on the current problem. So, it is important to see if there are any similarities between the current problem and the past problems which we have solved. The more experience one has the more tools and techniques one can bring to bear in tackling the given problem. But sometimes, it blocks us from discovering a desirable or better solution to the problem. A skill that is important to try to develop in problem - solving is the ability to view a problem from a variety of angles. One must be able to metaphorically turn a problem upside down, inside out, sideways, backwards, forwards and so on. Once one has developed this skill it should be possible to get started on any problem.

Working backwards from the solution

In some cases we can assume that we already have the solution to the problem and then try to work backwards to the starting point. Even a guess at the solution to the problem may be enough to give us a foothold to start on the problem. We can systematize the investigations and avoid duplicate efforts by writing down the various steps taken and explorations made. Another practice that helps to develop the problem solving skills is, once we have solved a problem, to consciously reflect back on the way we went about discovering the solution.

Using Computer as a Problem - Solving Tool 

The computer is a resource - a versatile tool - that can help you solve some of the problems that you encounter. A computer is a very powerful general-purpose tool. Computers can solve or help to solve many types of problems. There are also many ways in which a computer can enhance the effectiveness of the time and effort that you are willing to devote to solving a problem. Thus, it will prove to be well worth the time and effort you spend to learn how to make effective use of this tool.

In this section, we discuss the steps involved in developing a program. Program development is a multi-step process that requires you to understand the problem, develop a solution, write the program, and then test it. This critical process determines the overall quality and success of your program. If you carefully design each program using good structured development techniques, your programs will be efficient, errorfree, and easy to maintain. The following are the steps in detail:

1. Develop an Algorithm and a Flowchart.
2. Write the program in a computer language (for example say C programming language)
3. Enter the program using some editor.
4. Test and debug the program.
5. Run the program, input data, and get the results.